🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Lexus Model: SC300 Year: 1995 Body Style: 2-Door Coupe Generation Generation: Z30 (First Generation) Codes Chassis Code: JZZ30 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: Luxury Grand Tourer, positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented coupe with Lexus refinement and reliability. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed with vehicles like the Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Mazda RX-7 (FD), and the BMW 8 Series. Offered a blend of performance and comfort, often praised for its build quality and smooth powertrain. Key Features Key Features: Naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE inline-six engine, RWD platform, sophisticated styling, luxurious interior, advanced (for the era) features. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: All mechanical and electrical systems, body, chassis, and maintenance. Page Count Page Count: Extensive (Software, likely comprehensive electronic format with potentially thousands of pages equivalent) Manual Type Manual Type: Official Service and Repair Manual Software Language Language: English Format Format: Software/Digital (downloadable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: Engine (2JZ-GE), Drivetrain (RWD), Transmission (A340E Automatic), Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Electrical System (including ECUs, sensors, wiring diagrams), Body & Chassis, Interior Systems, Exterior Components. Procedures Included Procedures Included: Routine maintenance, lubrication, inspection, diagnostics, troubleshooting, repair procedures, component removal and installation, specifications, torque values, adjustments, and wiring diagrams. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complex repairs and diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Proprietary Software / Digital Download (likely PDF or executable software with search capabilities) Print Quality Print Quality: N/A (Digital Format - high resolution, clear diagrams) Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: 2JZ-GE Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated, Inline-6 Cylinder Displacement: 3.0 Liters (2997 cc) Bore X Stroke: 86.0 mm x 86.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 Valves (4 valves per cylinder) Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Performance Horsepower: 220 hp @ 5,000 - 6,000 RPM (approx.) Torque: 210 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM (approx.) Redline: 6,500 RPM Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended) Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 Liters (18.5 US Gallons) Cooling System Cooling System Type: Pressurized Liquid Cooling 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic (A340E) Optional Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual (R154 - less common in North America for SC300, more prevalent in SC400 or JDM models) Features Transmission Features: Electronically controlled, Overdrive gear, Lock-up torque converter. Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III or equivalent (check manual for specific Toyota/Lexus designation) Fluid Capacities Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approx. 10.7 Liters (11.3 US Quarts) total capacity, 4.3 Liters (4.5 US Quarts) for drain and fill. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4,815 mm (189.6 in) Width: 1,750 mm (68.9 in) Height: 1,300 mm (51.2 in) Wheelbase: 2,690 mm (105.9 in) Front Track: 1,505 mm (59.3 in) Rear Track: 1,490 mm (58.7 in) Weights Curb Weight: 1,570 kg (3,461 lbs) (approx. for automatic) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: N/A (Typically not published as a single GVWR for coupes) Cargo Cargo Volume: Approx. 0.32 m³ (11.3 cu ft) Wheels Tires Wheelbase: 16 x 7.0 Alloy (standard) Tire Size Front: 205/55R16 Tire Size Rear: 205/55R16 Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches) Lug Nut Torque: 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: Not Rated (Vehicle predates standardized comprehensive testing) IIHS Side Impact: Not Rated (Vehicle predates standardized comprehensive testing) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Front Passenger Airbags Seatbelts: 3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts. Body Structure: Reinforced cabin structure, crumple zones. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all wheels. Traction Control: Optional (Traction Control System - TRAC on some models, particularly later ones or if equipped) Brakes Front: Ventilated Discs Brakes Rear: Solid Discs Steering Type: Power Assisted Rack and Pinion Variable Assist Steering: Standard (Speed-sensitive power steering) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Premium ETR (Electronically Tuned Radio) with Cassette Player and CD Player (optional). Analog climate controls. Speakers: Typically 7-speaker premium audio system. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Cruise Control, Speed-Sensitive Power Steering, ABS. Optional Traction Control System (TRAC). Connectivity Connectivity: N/A (No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration). Analog systems only. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. Engine Air Filter Replacement: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection. Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually. Spark Plug Replacement: Iridium spark plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Standard plugs: 30,000 miles (48,000 km). (Verify plug type installed). Timing Belt Replacement: Crucial for 2JZ-GE. Typically 90,000 - 100,000 miles (145,000 - 160,000 km) or 7 years. This is a non-interference engine, but belt failure causes complete shutdown. Coolant Flush...
Luxury Grand Tourer, positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented coupe with Lexus refinement and reliability.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles like the Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Mazda RX-7 (FD), and the BMW 8 Series. Offered a blend of performance and comfort, often praised for its build quality and smooth powertrain.
Dexron III or equivalent (check manual for specific Toyota/Lexus designation)
Fluid Capacities
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 10.7 Liters (11.3 US Quarts) total capacity, 4.3 Liters (4.5 US Quarts) for drain and fill.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4,815 mm (189.6 in)
Width:
1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
1,300 mm (51.2 in)
Wheelbase:
2,690 mm (105.9 in)
Front Track:
1,505 mm (59.3 in)
Rear Track:
1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
1,570 kg (3,461 lbs) (approx. for automatic)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (Typically not published as a single GVWR for coupes)
Cargo
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 0.32 m³ (11.3 cu ft)
Wheels Tires
Wheelbase:
16 x 7.0 Alloy (standard)
Tire Size Front:
205/55R16
Tire Size Rear:
205/55R16
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
Lug Nut Torque:
103 Nm (76 ft-lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not Rated (Vehicle predates standardized comprehensive testing)
IIHS Side Impact:
Not Rated (Vehicle predates standardized comprehensive testing)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced cabin structure, crumple zones.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional (Traction Control System - TRAC on some models, particularly later ones or if equipped)
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear:
Solid Discs
Steering Type:
Power Assisted Rack and Pinion
Variable Assist Steering:
Standard (Speed-sensitive power steering)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Premium ETR (Electronically Tuned Radio) with Cassette Player and CD Player (optional). Analog climate controls.
Speakers:
Typically 7-speaker premium audio system.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, Speed-Sensitive Power Steering, ABS. Optional Traction Control System (TRAC).
Connectivity
Connectivity:
N/A (No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration). Analog systems only.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Standard plugs: 30,000 miles (48,000 km). (Verify plug type installed).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 2JZ-GE. Typically 90,000 - 100,000 miles (145,000 - 160,000 km) or 7 years. This is a non-interference engine, but belt failure causes complete shutdown.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ, ILSAC GF-2/GF-3. Viscosity: 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for climate-specific recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.4 Liters (6.8 US Quarts) with filter change.
Engine Coolant:
Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) or equivalent Pre-diluted (50/50) Ethylene Glycol based coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or III, or ATF compatible fluid (refer to manual).
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Aging electrical components (capacitors, switches), potential HVAC blower motor resistor failure, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), sun-faded paint (especially on spoilers), potential for catalytic converter issues, ABS sensor failures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Lexus, established in 1989 as Toyota's luxury division, aimed to rival established European luxury brands with exceptional quality, comfort, and customer service. The SC300 was a key early model demonstrating this philosophy.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The SC300 (and its V8 sibling, the SC400) debuted in 1991 for the 1992 model year. It was built on the platform of the Toyota Soarer. The 1995 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh for the Z30 generation, with minor cosmetic updates and potentially feature enhancements.
Production
Production Years:
1991-2000 (First Generation Z30)
Assembly Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
Car and Driver's Ten Best (1995, for SC300/SC400 as a class leader), numerous praise for styling and luxury appointments.